Fantasy Tip: Jones started with a bang but tailed off in his first season with the Lions, but he still finished with 930 yards. WR3 production isn't out of the question in 2017, especially if Stafford is looking his way around the goal line.

The Detroit Lions are talking with QB Matthew Stafford about a contract extension, and there is internal optimism at the team's headquarters that an agreement could be reached within the next two weeks.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford likely will look to sign a deal similar to the one Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr received earlier this offseason. He has thrown for at least 4,200 yards in each of the last six seasons and posted 56 touchdowns over the last two seasons. Stafford will have a solid group of pass catchers to work with again in 2017 and should be considered a solid No. 1 fantasy quarterback.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford could sign a new deal in the next two weeks as there is internal optimism a deal gets done, according to sources.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford has turned the corner under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and was in the MVP race until a finger injury curtailed his production last season. Stafford is among the glut of QBs just shy of the elite tier as a QB1.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford needs a contract extension as soon as possible, according to WR Golden Tate. "They gotta get that done," Tate said "He deserves it. He does everything right. You don't have to worry about him getting in trouble. He balls-out. He's tough as nails. He's what you want in a quarterback."

Fantasy Tip: Tate has enjoyed plenty of success catching passes from Stafford, so it is no surprise that he is a believer. Stafford enters the season as a dependable QB1, and Tate is a quality WR2.

Fantasy Tip: The Lions are expected to make Stafford the highest paid player in the NFL at an average annual salary of more than $25 million per season, although the prevailing wisdom seems to be he will wait until potential contracts with Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr get done before finalizing his contract. Stafford has settled into a midrange QB1 under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford is entering the final year of his contract, so there is a good chance that the two sides will reach an agreement this offseason. Stafford will have a solid group of pass catchers to work with this season and can be a No. 1 quarterback in most fantasy leagues.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford has about a year-long sample size of extremely good play with offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, but his finger injury derailed him last year. Now 29, and in a contract year, Stafford should be an upper-middle QB1 you can bank on this season.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (finger) said his injured middle finger didn't require surgery, just rest, and it started to feel better in February. In the 12 games before the injury, Stafford completed 67.2 percent of his passes with 21 touchdowns and five interceptions. Over the final five games, including a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, he completed 59.6 percent with three touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford looked like a rejuvenated quarterback before the injury, and with his hot stretch at the end of 2015, there's enough of a sample size to give his performance merit. He's a midrange QB1 option in fantasy.

Updating a previous story, Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford is entering the final season of his five-year contract, but general manager Bob Quinn said he and Stafford's agent have yet to talk about a contract extension.
"I think that is something that eventually we will get to. … These things don't usually happen in April or May," Quinn said.

Fantasy Tip: Quinn is right, if only because it makes little sense for Stafford to sign now when a player like Kirk Cousins could set the market. It seems highly unlikely Detroit will allow Stafford to leave anytime in the near future, so expect a long-term deal to get worked out well before training camp. The 29-year-old should remain a solid QB1 in fantasy in 2017.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford has one year left in his current contract and likely will be interested in an extension. Stafford has thrown for at least 4,200 yards in each of the last six seasons and has recorded at least 24 touchdowns in three of the last four seasons. Stafford probably can be considered a low-end No. 1 quarterback in most leagues next season.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (finger) had a chance to play in the Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 29, but chose to rest his injured middle finger instead. He was the second alternate at quarterback on the NFC team.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford dislocated his middle finger in mid-December, and while he downplayed the injury, it was obvious that he was being affected by it, as evident in the fact that he threw just two touchdown passes afterwards in the season's final three games. Luckily, this shouldn't be something that will affect the former No. 1 overall draft pick going into training camp, and Stafford could provide solid value as a sneaky QB1 target later on in drafts as a result.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford is signed through 2017 with a $22 million cap number next season. He has really trimmed down the turnovers the last year-and-a-half under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. He was having a great year before a finger injury derailed him. He'll be a midrange QB1 option in fantasy next season.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford's receivers didn't do him any favors by dropping several passes, but there is no denying he wasn't the same quarterback after suffering a finger injury late in the year. He should be healed up for the start of the 2017 season, and Stafford should make a solid QB1.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford's (finger) injured finger can't be repaired with surgery, and his finger will need to be immobilized after the season in order to heal.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford was playing well before struggling in the final three games with the injured finger. He should be back at 100 percent for the start of 2017 and is a solid QB1 option after the elite players at the position are off the board.

Fantasy Tip: His status for Sunday night's big showdown with the Packers for the NFC North crown isn't in any doubt, and while he's necessarily not the safest option to deploy, he'll enter Week 17 with QB1 potential in a favorable home matchup.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford has been playing through a minor finger ailment on his throwing hand the past few weeks, but it hasn't appeared to be affecting him too bad, as he's still averaged nearly 270 yards through the air over his last two contests. With Sunday night's season finale being for the division title, and in a favorable matchup at home, Stafford will have QB1 potential for Week 17.

Fantasy Tip: It's a big showdown with the Green Bay Packers this week. Look for Stafford to give it his all with playoff seeding on the line. Green Bay has been vulnerable against the pass all year, too, so Stafford belongs in QB1 territory.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford completed 26 of his 46 pass attempts for 260 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in the Week 16 game against the Dallas Cowboys Monday, Dec. 26. He also rushed for a one-yard touchdown.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford will face the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 at home. He threw for a season-high 385 yards with three touchdowns in the first meeting at Lambeau Field back in Week 3.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford's play has been affected by his finger injury and has recorded one touchdown and three interceptions over the last two games. Owners should consider Stafford as a low-end No. 1 quarterback this week.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford played through his finger ailment last week and looked just fine. He could've been a bit better, but that also could have been attributed to the coldness he was playing in at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Stafford has another week-plus to rest his minor injury, and it's also notable that he'll be playing in an indoor environment at AT&T Stadium, where he's flourished throughout his career compared to outdoors. He can still be a useful QB1 on Monday night.

Fantasy Tip: This doesn't dampen Stafford's status as a QB1, as his finger injury is more of a worry. The Giants came in with one of the best defenses in the NFL, and they did the job in Week 15. Stafford has a tough test in Week 16 against the Cowboys.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford will be able to play despite the injury but may need to wear a glove on his throwing hand. He will be facing a solid New York Giants defense this week and probably should be considered a low-end No. 1 quarterback in deeper leagues.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (finger) is experimenting with the glove and tape being used to protect his injured finger, and beat writer Kyle Meinke said Stafford wasn't as sharp with his throws during practice Thursday, Dec. 15.

Fantasy Tip: The injury combined with a matchup against the stingy secondary of the New York Giants make Stafford more of a QB2 in Week 15.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford should be wearing a glove on his throwing hand to help protect his injured finger, but that shouldn't be a massive hindrance. There are certainly better starts on the slate and Stafford should be viewed as a backup option in a tough test against the New York Giants.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (finger) said he doesn't anticipate the team's game plan changing in Week 15 because of his injury. Stafford said the right middle finger feels about the same, but he continues to receive treatment on it.

Fantasy Tip: History shows that Stafford has been picked a lot after finger injuries, and that includes two last week. The New York Giants are one of the best at containing the quarterback position. If you have Stafford, you're likely playing him in standard leagues. However, he's one to avoid in DFS.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford will play this week despite dislocating his right middle finger last week. Expect him to wear a glove on his right hand, but the glove shouldn't impede his throwing much. He's a borderline QB1 but faces a stiff test in the New York Giants.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (finger) is confident he will continue to play through his dislocated right middle ring finger in Week 15 against the New York Giants. Stafford, who also played through a broken index finger in 2011, believes this injury is not as serious as that one was, and he may not need to wear a glove either.
"I've had the broken index before and played with that, and that's no fun. But this one will be a little bit different. I don't think it's going to be as bad as that one was," Stafford told WJR-AM 760.

Fantasy Tip: It is worth noting Stafford played three games while wearing a glove after suffering the first finger injury in 2011 and threw nine interceptions in those contests. The 28-year-old was already dabbling with QB2 status before the injury and his prospects aren't looking any better now with road tilts against the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys over the next two weeks. His owners may want to look in another direction as a result.

Updating previous reports, Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (thumb, finger) also suffered a PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joint dislocation and torn ligaments to the middle finger of his throwing hand Sunday, Dec. 11. He played with a glove the rest of the game but said it affected his grip and the velocity on his throws.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford may have some problems with inconsistency due to wearing the glove. He threw his first pick in the red zone since the 2014 season, but he should have time to adjust to wearing the glove. He remains a solid QB1.

Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (thumb) suffered a dislocated thumb and torn ligaments in the Week 14 game against the Chicago Bears, a source said Sunday, Dec. 11. He is expected to play the rest of the season wearing a protective glove.

Fantasy Tip: Fantasy owners will be happy about the fact Stafford will be able to continue playing, but his effectiveness will obviously be a huge question. If you have the roster flexibility, it might not be a bad idea to go another way.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford methodically picked apart the Saints' defense for his scores, including a 66-yard strike to WR Golden Tate. Stafford has struggled at times to get the offense going this year, but he remains a strong QB1 thanks mainly to his choice of weapons on offense.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford struggled at times, particularly in the second half, but his 262 total yards and touchdown should suffice for those who started him in a tougher matchup. He's usually a QB1 option on a week-to-week basis.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford failed to find the end zone for just the second time in 10 starts. He'll face the Vikings pass defense on Thanksgiving in a crucial NFC North battle. He threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 9 matchup with Minnesota.

Fantasy Tip: The touchdown catch was only 1 yard to Theo Riddick, so chances are Stafford didn't net you too many fantasy points. Houston is a tough place to play, so chalk this game up to a slump after three strong outings.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford will play in his 100th game in Week 7 against the Washington Redskins. He is finally performing at an elite level and showing no signs of slowing down, according to beat writer Justin Rogers. Over his past 14 games dating back to last season he has completed 65.9 percent of his passes with 33 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford should be in line for another strong week against a Redskins pass defense which ranks 18th in the NFL, allowing 242.5 yards per game through the air. He ranks eighth in the NFL in yards per game (274.7) and is tied for third with 14 passing touchdowns. Stafford has emerged as a top-end QB1 in all fantasy leagues.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford was very efficient, and he spread the ball around nicely. There is life after Calvin Johnson after all. Stafford has three or more touchdown passes in four of his six outings, re-emerging as a low-end QB1 in all fantasy formats.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford had a season-low in pass yardage, but he posted his third game in five tries with three or more touchdown passes. He remains a solid low-end QB1 in all fantasy leagues heading into Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford did complete two-thirds of his passes, but he struggled to find open receivers all day. It is what prevents Stafford from being an elite QB. He'll do very well one week and then have trouble against some teams.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford led a furious second-half comeback that fell just short. He completed two-thirds of his passes and was effective more often than not. He remains a strong QB1 option in all fantasy leagues.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford and the other Lions quarterbacks have run a no-huddle offense 62% of the time this preseason. The Lions ran a no-huddle offense just 7% of the time last season. According to ProFootballFocus, Stafford has completed all six of his passes for 108 yards when targeting WRs Golden Tate and Marvin Jones out of the no-huddle. He's 6-for-11 passing for 63 yards on the rest of his throws combined. Overall, Stafford has completed 70.6% of his passes this preseason.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford had a big second half last year with 19 touchdowns and two interceptions when offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter took over. He lost Megatron to retirement, but the show appears to roll on. Stafford is in the lower-middle portion of starting quarterbacks, but he could be on the cusp of that breakthrough year.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford said he hopes the offense plays at a quicker pace this season. He has gone 12-for-17 for 171 yards in two preseason games when the team has used an up-tempo offense.

Fantasy Tip: Stafford played well once Jim Bob Cooter became the offensive coordinator last season and should continue to improve this season. He did lose Calvin Johnson during the offseason but still has several weapons to work with in the passing game. Stafford probably should be a high-end No. 2 quarterback in most leagues but could be used as a starter against certain opponents.

Detroit Lions WR Anquan Boldin has been a steady target for QB Matthew Stafford throughout training camp, according to beat writer Tim Twentyman. He is expected to step into the slot and add toughness, experience and production to the position group.

Fantasy Tip: Boldin posted 69 receptions, 789 yards and four touchdowns last season in San Francisco despite a shaky quarterback situation. He is playing with a much better quarterback and similar production can be expected despite the fact he is 35 years old. Consider him a solid WR4 or flex option in most fantasy formats.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford said he expects to lean on the running game a little more in 2016 with WR Calvin Johnson now retired. "I think it'll make us different," he said Thursday, July 28. "It's on us to make it more dangerous. We got to go out there and make the plays."

Fantasy Tip: It's tough to gauge how Stafford will perform without Johnson leading the passing attack, but he should still be viewed as a high-end QB2.